--- title: Northern Engraving | Design Blog for Surfaces on Aluminum | Favorite Finish description: Favorite Finish | Northern Engraving Aluminum Surfaces Design Blog - covers the possibilities and inspiration for creating patterns and decoration on aluminum surfaces. --- [](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/favorite-finish/page/1#main-nav) [![Norcorp](https://www.norcorp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Northern-Engraving-Logo-white.png?width=530&name=Northern-Engraving-Logo-white.png "Norcorp")](https://www.norcorp.com/) - Surfaces on Aluminum Design Blog # Surfaces on Aluminum Design Blog ## [10 Patterns on Aluminum that Push Boundaries](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/10-patterns-on-aluminum-that-push-boundaries) Posted by [Vicky Bowie](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/author/vicky-bowie) Many times requests for patterns on aluminum are pretty basic - a grid pattern or straight lines. There is opportunity to take standard structures and step outside the box, push the boundaries and break out into something unique. Here are my choices for patterns that do just this. Enjoy. [Read More](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/10-patterns-on-aluminum-that-push-boundaries) ## 50 Shades of Gray | Classic Decoration for Aluminum Trim and Nameplates Posted by [Vicky Bowie](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/author/vicky-bowie) 50 Shades of Gray - Favorite Finishes A recent post on the Kitchen and Bath Business blog discusses the popularity of neutral color palettes for kitchen design. It indicates a growing trend in the past year towards warm grays as well as blending of colors to create a soothing environment. This ... [Read More](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/50-shades-of-gray-classic-decoration-for-aluminum-trim-and-nameplates) ## Favorite Finish | Eye Catching Carbon Fiber Aluminum Trim Posted by [Vicky Bowie](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/author/vicky-bowie) Guest Blogger This article is part of a series from my co-workers on their favorite finishes. Pat Wilcox, our guest blogger this week, chose one of the carbon fiber structures on aluminum. While this particular finish uses black, there is no reason why it couldn't be customized using brown or gray ... [Read More](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/bid/207489/Favorite-Finish-Eye-Catching-Carbon-Fiber-Aluminum-Trim) ## Favorite Finish | Rich Color Tones on Aluminum Trim Posted by [Vicky Bowie](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/author/vicky-bowie) Guest Blogger This article is part of a series from my co-workers on their favorite finishes. Sharon Olson, our guest blogger this week, chose a transparent tint over brushed aluminum. This is a great example of how elegant, yet soft decorated aluminum can be. Transparent tints often can take on ... [Read More](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/bid/206862/Favorite-Finish-Rich-Color-Tones-on-Aluminum-Trim) ## Favorite Finish | Contrast and Depth on Aluminum Posted by [Vicky Bowie](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/author/vicky-bowie) Guest Blogger This article is part of a series from my co-workers on their favorite finishes. Leah Flock, our guest blogger this week, chose a dimesional silver finish from patterns available for review with our Disc Collection. This is one example of how texture can be used for ornamental ... [Read More](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/bid/191546/Favorite-Finish-Contrast-and-Depth-on-Aluminum) ## Favorite Finish | Contrast and Depth on Aluminum Posted by [Vicky Bowie](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/author/vicky-bowie) Guest Blogger This article is part of a series from my co-workers on their favorite finishes. Holly Schamens, our guest blogger this week, chose an organic finish from patterns available for review with our Disc Collection. This reference tools is a frequently asked for item and has sparked ... [Read More](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/bid/181108/Favorite-Finish-Contrast-and-Depth-on-Aluminum) ## Favorite Finish | A Perfect Design on Aluminum Posted by [Kelly Kjos](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/author/kelly-kjos) This week, Billie Theobald, a Regional Sales Manager at Northern Engraving, is sharing one of her favorite finishes on aluminum. There are several patterns and finishes that stood out to her, but this is one example of a favorite. [Read More](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/bid/105183/Favorite-Finish-A-Perfect-Design-on-Aluminum) ## Favorite Finish | Engine Stripe on Nameplates Posted by [Kelly Kjos](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/author/kelly-kjos) This week, Jerry Chenoweth, a Regional Sales Manager at Northern Engraving, is sharing his favorite finish and the reasons behind his choice. Northern Engraving offers many great finishes to choose from, and my personal favorite is engine striping. I think it looks best as an accent border on a ... [Read More](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/bid/104786/Favorite-Finish-Engine-Stripe-on-Nameplates) ## Designing a Pattern on Aluminum Posted by [Kelly Kjos](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/author/kelly-kjos) This week, Gerald R Hoerres, the Graphic Arts Manager at Northern Engraving, is sharing the steps of pattern creation and the joy it has brought him to be involved in the process. There are several methods to design a pattern for aluminum, but this is one example that stood out to Gerald. 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